Sony WH-1000XM6
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
The SteelSeries Arctis Elite Wireless is widely praised for its exceptional comfort, impressive sound quality, and versatile features like simultaneous multi-channel audio and active noise cancellation. Users highlight its premium unboxing experience and reliable wireless range, though some note the high price tag and suggest that pure audiophiles might look elsewhere for sound quality alone. Overall, it is considered a top-tier do-it-all headset for gaming and work.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long sessions
- Impressive sound quality with detail
- Simultaneous multi-channel audio support
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode for awareness
Cons
- High price point
- Sound quality may not satisfy pure audiophiles
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.34 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | Vegan Leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Steel, Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 10 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz | 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 101 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | LC3+ |
| Surround | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 15 min=4 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Arctis Companion |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 10 of 41 specs.